Manila, Oct. 13 -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday clarified that recent strong earthquakes in the country are not connected to ongoing volcanic activities.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said there is no direct relationship between tectonic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions or increased seismic activity.

"Strong tectonic earthquakes have no direct effect on volcanic eruption and increased seismic activity," Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency.

He said volcanic eruptions occur only when there is enough pressure inside a volcano's magma chamber to trigger an explosion.

Phivolcs said a minor phreatic eruption occurred at 11:42 a.m. Monday at Taal Volcano's summit, generating plumes ...